It is no secret that Arsene Wenger wants to bring a new centre forward to Arsenal this summer, with maverick Italian Mario Balotelli now believed to head his wish list. If that deal doesn’t materialise, however, there are plenty of other strikers on the market, including these five…
1) Alvaro Morata
Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata has consistently been linked with a move to North London – and Carlo Ancelotti has now confirmed that the Spaniard will be on his way this summer. This is news that could alert Wenger, who is believed to have initially tried to snare Morata during the January transfer window, although he is likely to face stiff competition from local rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
2. Mario Mandzukic
Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic has confirmed his desire to leave Bayern Munich, which could open the door for a potential move to the Emirates Stadium. Disillusioned with life under Pep Guardiola, particularly after he was left out of the squad for the German Cup final, Mandzukic is available, but the £25 million fee that Bayern are likely to demand coupled with the similarities that exist between Mandzukic and Olivier Giroud may make the move unlikely.
3. Carlos Vela
Mexican forward Carlos Vela could be persuaded to return to Arsenal if the Gunners choose to exercise the £3.5 million buyout clause that they have in the Real Sociedad man’s contract. Despite fleeting glimpses in the League Cup, Vela never established himself at the club first time around, but an impressive spell in La Liga may persuade Arsene Wenger to offer him another shot at the Premier League.
4. Karim Benzema
Arsene Wenger is believed to be a keen admirer of another Real Madrid striker, Karim Benzema,although the Frenchman is unlikely to become available unless Real are successful in their pursuit of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez. Strong, powerful and explosive, Benzema is one of the most all-round forwards in the modern game, but would command an eye-watering fee as well as significant wages if he is to be tempted away from the Bernabeu. Securing Benzema’s signature would require a similar leap of faith as that taken last summer in the pursuit of Mesut Ozil, also from Real.
5. Lorenzo Insigne
Although not an out-and-out centre forward, Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne would provide both versatility and quality to the Arsenal attack. The news that his club would require an exorbitant offer were they to consider selling should prove a stumbling block to any potential deal, but Insigne certainly has the quality to help take the Gunners to the next level. Insigne arrived on the scene following a successful loan spell in Serie B with Pescara, whilst he would be likely to provide a similar role to Theo Walcott in that he is comfortable both playing out wide or at the front of the attack.